Harper is an established Amerrican, however, this album appears to represent quite a departure. Whilst there are examples Harper Lee An Iconic American Writer his highly regarded guitar playing on previous offerings, his new set features nothing but — no vocals at all — just Harper and his lap steel guitar. Having been able to sit and listen in a dimmed room with the rain beating down on the Velux on a miserable day, these tunes were pretty much the perfect aural experience. There are 15 tracks in all designed to recount memories of various global destinations, including Islip, which I have down as a small village in the Cotswolds. It is also to be noted that as with a number of those artists, Harper was initially self-taught, listening to records of the old blues masters.
Shop by category
He later came under the influence of Taj Mahal and toured with him. Harper does not exhibit the eye and ear-catching dexterity and speed of the likes of Kottke which apparently led to its own physical problems ; the music here is very much about tone and mood — which he renders with great skill. Harper Lee An Iconic American Writer, in many ways, the simplicity is the fundamental charm and the music all the better for it.
Absolutely worth a listen. Shannon is a session musician and as he puts it, more Ameerican with the music of others than with his own. It was a meeting and instant connection with Neal Casal that in part inspired this debut album which has come together over a period three years.
Customers who read this book also read
Casal was a vital influence. Rather than succumbing to the tendency of instrumental music to be dry and cerebral, each composition began as a simple melody. Stand-out tracks are — all of them? Whether songs can be songs when there are no words and whether one instrument can sound like many are academic if slightly grating propositions. The beauty of instrumental music is that it can lead anywhere, words come with meaning and direction and thus more limitation. There again both musicians seem to share similar views as to how their art is intended to be heard and understood — so why cavil? The salient point is that here are two very fine albums that, taken together, could almost be different sides of the same artistic coin, each bringing different pleasures by way of the same instrument.
They highlight the versatility of the guitar and the differences Harper Lee An Iconic American Writer can be brought by individual players. Each in their own way is highly recommended — an 8 out of 10 for both records. Music fan for more than 50 years and I think it gets better than ever - I love the Americana scene.
View all posts by Gordon Sharpe. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam.
Get Our Emails
Learn how your comment data is processed. Skip to content. Share this:. Author: Gordon Sharpe Music fan for more than 50 years and I think it gets better than ever - I love the Americana scene. Leave a comment.
Cancel reply. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. This site uses cookies: Find out more. Okay, thank you.]
I apologise, but, in my opinion, you are mistaken. I can prove it.
Excuse, that I interrupt you, but I suggest to go another by.
You are not right. I can defend the position. Write to me in PM, we will communicate.